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Avatar universal

HIV risk? Very Worried...

Hi Doctor first I'd like to say how much I appreciate an amazing site like this being available to the general public.

I just wanted to know what my risk of HIV was (or anything worse).

I had a boyfriend roughly from October to February, we had sex from October 2010 until February 5th this year. We usually used condoms and if we didn't we observed the pull out method. The last time we had intercourse was that day, February 5th.

I got tested for HIV in November 2010 and again recently on April 11th of this year, both tests were negative.

However on March 12'th I gave oral sex and swallowed semen of a old lover while having a cavity. (That's all we did) As I said I tested on April 11th, approximately a month after my latest sexual encounter and the test was negative.

However I am really fatigued and I have one swollen lymph node under my jaw on the right side?

Is it possible that the test gave me a false negative?

PS my ex boyfrined was tested at the beginning of our relationship in October and he was HIV negative, my old lover said he was tested in early March as well and was negative but I'm just freaking out because of my fatigue and now it's also accompanied with a green mucus discharge, it's not frothy so I don't think it's trich, but I don't know what it could possibly be..Just want to be assured it's not HIV.

I also take a pill by the name of Fruta Planta that is said to contain sibutramine, would that cause me to get a false negative?

Sorry for all the questions but can you please help me?

Thank you so much.
13 Responses
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239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum.  Thanks for the advance thanks about our service.

The most important information in your question, by far, is your test results.  The HIV blood tests are among the most reliable of all available medical tests, as long as sufficient time has passed since the last possible exposure.  Depending on the specific test, that time ranges from 3-4 weeks to 6-8 weeks, rarely as long as 3 months.  By contrast, symptoms and exposure history are very inaccurate in judging the likelihood of infection.  Therefore, test results always overrule symptoms and exposure history.  A person can have the highest risk imaginable, such as direct injection of HIV infected blood; or the most classical symptoms of a new HIV infection, like a combination of sore throat, high fever, skin rash, and inflamed lymph nodes.  If the blood test is negative sufficiently long after exposure, it proves the patient was not infected.

Thus, your test results show for sure you didn't catch HIV and that something else is the cause of your symptoms.  That would be the case even if you had probably been exposed and even if you had typical symptoms.  In fact, you had neither.  Their blood test results reliably prove your partners didn't have HIV (and if you're in the US and they aren't IV drug users or bisexual, the odds were strongly against it anyway).

Given the test results, the only exposure that conceivably could have resulted in infection was the oral sex event 4 weeks before your last test on April 11.  But even with semen swallowing, oral sex carries an HIV transmission risk of only 1 in 10,000, and at 4 weeks the test result was highly reliable, even if not quite perfect.

Of course there are many minor viral infections and other medical conditions that cause fatigue, and HIV doesn't cause a single lymph node enlargement, only body-wide lymph node inflammation in several areas; and you don't describe the other typical symptoms of a new HIV infection noted above.  And HIV doesn't cause mucus production, as noted below.

If your symptoms continue, see a health care provider.  But considering all the available information, you can be absolutely certain you don't have HIV.  Don't worry about it.

I hope this has helped.  Best wishes--  HHH, MD
Helpful - 2
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, that test result confirms the obvious (since oral sex is zero risk for all practical purposes); you don't have HIV.  Congratulations.  That will end this thread, however.  Take care and stay safe!
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
Hi Doctor,

I got my results for my pap, everything was fine. My doctor said I didn't need to retest for HIV but I was so paranoid I went to a clinic anyway on May 12th and got a rapid hiv test ( the one where they poke your finger). It was negative!!!! I think all the symptoms and craziness was in my mind. The internet can really make people incorrectly self diagnose themselves. Anyway, do you think my May 12th HIV test shows that I didn't contract HIV from the oral sex on March 12th? Thanks so much again doctor!
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Go to the MedHelp home page and use the contact link to ask the administrative office.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal

Can I post the question from my side ?

I don't have credit card, but have a Cash Card (like Debit Card) as I am outsider.

Still, Can I make Payment with this ?

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much!! Will post results soon.
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
With such a low risk exposure most recently (oral only), a 4 week test is fine.  But follow your doc's advice if s/he suggests one at 6 weeks or later.  (And don't be nervous if that's his or her advice.  There is no realistic chance you caught HIV during that event.)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks again doctor Handsfield!

You didn't answer my last question though, should I rely on my 4 week HIV test or take another one when I go for my pap tomorrow?

(Won't bother you again until I tell you my results I promise :))
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The HIV tests are equally accurate regardless of any other health  problems, diets, medicaitons, etc.  Your diet pill makes no difference.

The urine test is very good and I doubt repeat testing is needed.  But you definitely should be professionally examined to sort out the discharge.  The clinician you see can then decide whether repeat testing for gonorrhea or chlamydia is necessary.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I was tested for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis the same time as the hiv test. Did a urine test because I was on my menstrual cycle so I couldn't do the pap smear. My pap is this Wednesday. Should I retest for chlamydia and gonorrhea? (I haven't at all been sexually active since March 12th).
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks so much, yes your answer was a big help to me, but can you answer my other question, about the diet pill, would it cause a false negative?

Again thanks, you just took a major weight off my shoulders and yes I'm in the US, neither man was bisexual nor a drug user.

Since the 4 week is highly reliable, I shouldn't take another test correct?
Helpful - 0
239123 tn?1267647614
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Taken into account above.  However, I forgot to comment on your vaginal discharge.  Chlamydia, gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomonas all are reasonable possibilities (most trich discharges are not frothy).  Definitely get it checked out at your local health department STD clinic, Planned Parenthood, or your primary gyn provider.  But still no worries about HIV, which doesn't cause vaginal discharge.

Please return with a follow-up comment about the results after you have been examined.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I also have a lot of mucus in my throat that causes me to spit quite often. Thanks so much again.
Helpful - 0

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